Beading tool

ABSTRACT

A tool for manually forming outwardly shaped continuous beads in deformable tubing, for use with various tube fittings, is described. The beads are formed by a rolling member which is cam actuated outward during tool operation, to permanently deform tubing, thereby creating a fitting shoulder. The tool is shaped to eliminate the need for deburring, reaming or correcting minor deformation of tube diameter before use.

United States Patent 1191 Duffy June 28, 1974 [5 BEADING TOOL 2,657,733 11/1953 Champion .1 72/75 {76] Inventor: Edward L Duffy 30 Ann Street 3,339,388 9/1967 Cann 72/75 Bernardsville, NJ. 07924 I Primary Examiner-Lowell A. Larson [22] F1led: July 14, 1972 Appl. No.: 271,733

[52] U.S. Cl. 72/75, 72/120 [51] Int. Cl B2ld 39/14 [58] Field of Search 72/75, 120

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,122,725 7/1938 Scholtes 72/75 2,377,406 6/1945 Dedrick 2,526,932 10/1950 Champion 72/75 7] ABSTRACT A tool for manually forming outwardly shaped continuous beads in deformable tubing, for use with various tube fittings, is described. The beads are formed by a rolling member which is cam actuated outward during tool operation, to permanently deform tubing, thereby creating a fitting shoulder. The tool is shaped to eliminate the need for deburring, reaming or correcting minor deformation of tube diameter before use.

8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures BEADING TOOL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to arrangements for manually, or machine forming, a bead (or beads) in deformable tubing (copper, etc.). It also relates to a tool for forming a compression-type interfitting surface on such tubmg.

One of the most widely used compression fitting makes use of a threaded coupling (tee or elbow, etc.) as a body, an internally threaded nut, and a ring (or ferrule) which is clamped between them to form gas/water pressure tight joint. In practice such fittings are often not pressure tight due mainly to the problem of sealing the interfitting surfaces. Poor fittings are a result of tubing deformation causing an out-of-round relationship between the ring and the tubing, or of improper torqueing of the nut. If too much torque is applied to the fitting, the tubing collapses and the collasped section must be cut away and a new ferrule obtained to remake the joint. Extra ferrules are not always on hand or not easily found among other spare parts because of their small size. Also the remaining tubing section may be of an unusable length, thereby creating the need for 'installing a completely new section of tubing plus'the I labor and parts cost needed to remake existing fittings.

Accordingly there is a need for a tool that can form I special fittings have been developed. There are however various shortcomingsin these tools. Before they can be used the tubing end must be. deburred and reamed, and to a degree the tubing must be reshaped to restore its original true diameter. This is a time consuming process that often must be repeated. In addition a different tool with matching reamer/deburrer is required for each different tubing inside diameter. As stock tubing is normally specifiedin the trade by outside diameter and wall thicknesses there is a needless multiplicity of these tools to accomodate all possible diameters. Moreover, if one had a tool for every possible combination of tube diameter and wall thickness, they would probably fill an ordinary sized tool box. Another shortcoming of these existing tools concerns the shoulder for limiting tool entry into the tubing. These shoulders are customarily perpendicular to the tool axis and requires an inordinate amount of axial pressure for frictional engagement. Often an external radial clamping force, such as pliers, is additionally needed to start a head which must be used with reasonable care to avoid accidently deforming the tubing.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a beading tool that shapes the tubing itself in such a fashion as to act in place of a customary ring or ferrule in a compression fitting.

It is another object of this invention to furnish a beading tool which does not require deburring, reaming or reshaping of minor variations in tubing circumference prior to its use in a beading operation:

It is yet another object of this invention to furnish a beading tool that is universally useable for a particular tubing outer diameter within the range of commonly used wall thicknesses.

A further object of this invention is to provide a heading tool having a positive engagement with the tubing end thereby eliminating a need for an inordinate amount of axial pressure to form beads.

Still another object of this invention is to furnish a beading tool with greatly improved characteristics for extending the useful life of the tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects of the invention are achieved in accordance with an illustrative and preferred embodiment of the invention which comprises a bead forming tool usable with deformable tubing such as ordinary copper tubing. Advantageously the tool is particularly designed for ease of insertion in that it is shaped round and proportionally small at the extreme entry end, and has a tapered rib that enlarges axially to a point where a bead roller is retained in a positioning hole. This shape achieves a minimum profile objective, offers maximum strength at stress points and makes the tool useable over a wider range of tubing sizes. More,- over, this shape enables the tool to be used without deburring or reaming the tubing entrance.

Once the tool is inserted into the tubing a slight clockwise rotation of the handle lifts a rolling member radially outward relative to the tube axis and into engagement with the interior surface of the tubing. This lifting action is achieved by means of an internal shaft, contoured beneath the member, that moves a few degrees relative to an outer cylindrically shaped member containing the positioning hole. As the handle is turned further the rolling member or roller, is raised to its maximum radial height. Further clockwise rotation then forms a continuous bead in the tubing as determined by the proportions of all the components.

The tool also has an enlarged cylindrically shaped section beyond the tapered rib with contoured surfaces for creating a wedging action with the tube end to min- ,ify the axial pressure needed for starting and maintaining thebeading action. I

Two basic embodiments of this invention are disclosed. The first embodiment with all the aforementioned advantages forms a single bead about the circumference of a tube and is designed to be used with standard fittings developed for the plumbing industry.

The second embodiment simultaneously fonns two parallel beads a precise distance apart and from the tubing end. This embodiment is considered unique in its advantages and also in the fact that no prior art tools exist for the purpose of eliminating the rings used in customary compression fittings. Since the tubing itself is shaped to cooperate with these standard fittings, a more efiective seal is achieved with superior joint strength approaching the rating of the tube in use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects and features, including the application of the principles of this invention to automatic machine processing of metals, will become more apparent upon a reading of the following description. It is intended that this description be considered in connection with the attached drawing which consists of:

FIG. 1 showing a single beading tool after insertion into a tubing section and prior to forming of the bead;

compression fitting as used with a tube in which a double bead has been formed;

FIG. 6 showing a sectional view taken perpendicular to the axis of FIG. 1 showing the relation of the rolling member to cam actuating surface after initial insertion;

and

FIG. 7 showing a sectional view taken perpendicular to axis of FIG. 2 showing the rolling member in a raised position due to cam actuation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION At the outset it is to be appreciated that the single bead and double bead tools are similar in many respect and for that reason the double bead tool only is fully detailed herein. Referring now to FIG. 3 the double bead tool is comprised of a cylindrically shaped handle body 11 with a projection of reduced diameter, hereinafter referred to as shaft 12 which embodies profile cam-surfaces l3 (functionally describedin greater detail hereinafter); hole 14 perpendicular to the axis and on the centerline of shaft 12 being angularly related to surfaces 13 and being sized for force fitting of limit pin 15 therein; and axially aligned hole 16 sized for force fitting of projection 17 on nose piece 18 shown at the left side of FIG. 3. A tee handle 19 is shown fitted to' body 11 for (hand) leverage in turning the tool during use.

To the left of shaft 12 in FIG. 3 is shown in sectiona view, a compound, basically tubular member herein termed sleeve 20. It includes limiting slot 21 at the right end of sleeve which has shoulders 22 and 23 serving as rotational limit stops of sleeve 20 with respect to shaft 12; a collar shaped member 24 with circular recess 25 functionally described in greater detail hereinafter; retaining holes 26 for rolling members 27 herein shown spherically shaped and above sleeve 20; tapered rib surface 28, described in more detail hereinafter; and inside diameter surface 29 sized to freely fit over shaft 12 at assembly.

These components are assembled in the following sequence: Pin 15 is force fitted into hole 14 to provide an effective rotation limiting projection; sleeve 20 is next assembled over shaft 12 with rollers 27 'prepositioned in holes 26 so that limiting slot 21 engages pin 15. Axial groove in shaft 12 is provided for assembly clearance. Nose piece 18 is then force fitted into hole 16 thereby retaining sleeve 20 on shaft 12 but with clearance for free relative rotation of sleeve 20 on shaft 12. Tee handle 19 is lastly force fitted to handle body 11.

It can be anticipated and is hereby intended that handle body 11 and tee bar 19 can be replaced by a construction akin to drive sockets as is common in the various trades. For example, the shaft 12 could be a projection out of a female socket piece and the handle with tee bar would be a standard socket piece in the form of a ratchet wrench or a screwdriver type body. This construction would possibly best satisfy the needs of the user that has minimum tool storage space but one who needs several sizes of the beading tool. The manual use embodiment herein described can evidently take many forms and is not limited to the embodiment shown herein. Mechanization or machineuse is within the scope of its use. as anyone versed in the art will appreciate.

The many unique features of this invention can be pointed out with the following description of the use of the tool in tee bar form. To shape a tubing end section so as to create the double bead on tubing as shown in FIG. 5, sleeve 20 is pushed into the tube with a slight counter-clockwise turning motion, far enough to engage the tubing end firmly in the circular recess 25. Recess 25 is curved to grip the inside diameter of the tube end snugly.

The ease of penetration of the sleeve 20 into tubing 32 of various wall thicknesses and with cut-off burrs or deformities is a function of the sleeve profile. Considering that profile further, it has a starting end minimum diameter and a'shape which is generally cylindrical with a fixed diameter. On one side it comprises a tapered rib 28 which gives minimum cross-sectional profile radial growth and at the same time sufficient growth and radial thickness for maximum guided movement of roller 27. After insertion, the rolling members 27 are in a position axially, relative to the end of the tubing, to begin to form a bead shape. To form these heads the handle body 11 is turned clockwise;

this moves shaft 12 relative to sleeve 20, which is in wedging contact with the tube end; thereby raising the rollers first into engagement and then into an upward deforming contact with the tubing inner wall. The maximum raised position of the rollers 27 is controlled by the angular rotation of sleeve 20 around shaft 12 and more specifically the limits of motion of slot 21 relative to pin 15 as determined by shoulders 22 and 23. After the initial roller raising movement, further rotation creates the continuous, up-raised form in the tube 32 that is desired. This further rotation provides a retarding torque to the sleeve 20 and in turn maintains an outward force on the rollers 27 which reduces the axial frictional or wedging force which was required at the start of beading.

What is claimed is:

1. A bead forming tool useable for generating a raised substantially semi-cylindrical surface along the circumferential length of deformable tubular material at a fixed distance from an end of said material comprising, an entry sleeve having an upstanding tapered rib surface substantially'parallel to an axis of said sleeve being adapted for insertion into the tubular end, a shaft rotably mounted inside said sleeve and having an axis of rotation congruent with said axis of said sleeve, said shaft having at least one profiled cam surface on an outer circumferential surface, said sleeve having a retaining hole therein in register with said profiled cam surface and a substantially spherically shaped member positioned on said profiled cam surface and adapted to be raised in limited engagement with said material as governed by a motion limiting pin as said shaft is rotated relative to said sleeve.

. 2. The bead forming tool set forth in claim 1 including a collar member having a slotted opening along a portion of the circumferential length thereof, and said shaft includes a drill hole perpendicular to an axis thereof. and further including a pin mounted in said drill hole adapted to limit the relative rotation of said shaft with respect to said sleeve to the circumferential length of said slotted opening.

3. The bead forming tool set forth in claim 1 wherein said cam surface exerts a substantially radially directed outward force against said spherically shaped member as said shaft is rotated clockwise relative to said sleeve.

4. The bead forming tool set forth in claim 1 further including a handle assembly affixed to said shaft in axially alignment therewith suitable for manually imparting axially as well as rotating movement to said tool.

5. The bead forming tool set forth in claim 1 wherein said shaft contains a plurality of profiled cam surfaces along the circumferential surface thereof and generally formed perpendicular to the axis of said shaft, said sleeve having a like plurality of retaining holes therein, and further includes a like plurality of spherically shaped members each positioned in one of said profiled cam surfaces and adapted to be concurrently moved into engagement with said material as said shaft is rotated relative to said sleeve.

6. The invention set forth in claim 5 including a collar member which is contiguous with said sleeve and substantially cylindrically shaped. and a tube restrainer surface formed between a parallel interior surface of collar member and a parallel exterior surface of said sleeve, said restrainer surface having a curved section where said parallel surfaces are joined adapted to frictionally restrain relative rotation between said forming tool and said material to be formed until said spherically shaped members are in engagement with said material.

7. The invention set forth in claim 1 wherein said collar member has a first tapered surface symmetrical about the axis of said sleeve as well as a substantially cylindrically shaped body axially aligned with said first tapered surface, and said cylindrically shaped body contains a slotted opening along the circumference thereof adapted to engage an upstanding pin mounted in said shaft for determining the relative axial movement of said shaft with respect to said sleeve.

member contiguous with said shaft. 

1. A bead forming tool useable for generating a raised substantially semi-cylindrical surface along the circumferential length of deformable tubular material at a fixed distance from an end of said material comprising, an entry sleeve having an upstanding tapered rib surface substantially parallel to an axis of said sleeve being adapted for insertion into the tubular end, a shaft rotably mounted inside said sleeve and having an axis of rotation congruent with said axis of said sleeve, said shaft having at least one profiled cam surface on an outer circumferential surface, said sleeve having a retaining hole therein in register with said profiled cam surface and a substantially spherically shaped member positioned on said profiled cam surface and adapted to be raised in limited engagement with said material as governed by a motion limiting pin as said shaft is rotated relative to said sleeve.
 2. The bead forming tool set forth in claim 1 including a collar member having a slotted opening along a portion of the circumferential length thereof, and said shaft includes a drill hole perpendicular to an axis thereof, and further including a pin mounted in said drill hole adapted to limit the relative rotation of said shaft with respect to said sleeve to the circumferential length of said slotted opening.
 3. The bead forming tool set forth in claim 1 wherein said cam surface exerts a substantially radially directed outward force against said spherically shaped member as said shaft is rotated clockwise relative to said sleeve.
 4. The bead forming tool set forth in claim 1 further including a handle assembly affixed to said shaft in axially alignment therewith suitable for manually imparting axially as well as rotating movement to said tool.
 5. The bead forming tool set forth in claim 1 wherein said shaft contains a plurality of profiled cam surfaces along the circumferential surface thereof and generally formed perpendicular to the axis of said shaft, said sleeve having a like plurality of retaining holes therein, and further includes a like plurality of spherically shaped members each positioned in one of said profiled cam surfaces and adapted to be concurrently moved into engagement with said material as said shaft is rotated relative to said sleeve.
 6. The invention set forth in claim 5 including a collar member which is contiguous with said sleeve and substantially cylindrically shaped, and a tube restrainer surface formed between a parallel interior surface of collar member and a parallel exterior surface of said sleeve, said restrainer surface having a curved section where said parallel surfaces are joined adapted to frictionally restrain relative rotation between said forming tool and said material to be formed until said spherically shaped members are in engagement with said material.
 7. The invEntion set forth in claim 1 wherein said collar member has a first tapered surface symmetrical about the axis of said sleeve as well as a substantially cylindrically shaped body axially aligned with said first tapered surface, and said cylindrically shaped body contains a slotted opening along the circumference thereof adapted to engage an upstanding pin mounted in said shaft for determining the relative axial movement of said shaft with respect to said sleeve.
 8. The invention set forth in claim 7 including a collar member contiguous with said shaft. 